Menu
29/03/2010
Empey Challenges DUP Unity Calls
The DUP has "nothing to lose and everything to gain" from a Unionist unity pact with the UUP in Fermanagh/ South Tyrone and South Belfast at the forthcoming Westminster elections, Sir Reg Empey has.
The UUP leader, addressing the party's AGM at the weekend, claimed "people sometimes forget the facts" surrounding the two constituencies, which were previously held by UUP MPs but are now occupied by Nationalists.
Sir Reg (pictured) said: "This party [UUP] had the honour to represent both of these seats for many years, until Peter Robinson and his colleagues decided to intervene.
"In 2001 the DUP deliberately, in my opinion, set out to deny us the [Fermanagh/South Tyrone] seat while having no prospect of winning themselves.
"They supported a spoiler independent unionist candidate who got nearly 6500 votes, resulting in the seat going to Sinn Fein [Michelle Gildernew] by 57 votes."
Sir Reg claimed the same action was taken by the DUP in South Belfast in 2005, when the Parliamentary seat was won by Alasdair McDonnell of the SDLP.
DUP leader Mr Robinson has called on the UUP to help Unionism win back the two seats. The DUP has proposed fielding a singular Unionist candidate in both constituencies, ensuring the Pro-Union vote is not split between it and the UUP.
"I believe in Unionist unity. This party believes in unionist unity," said Sir Reg.
Throwing down a challenge to Mr Robinson, he said: "The DUP has a golden opportunity to make a gesture that could instil confidence that they are serious about Unionism working closer together.
"I say to them that as they were responsible for these seats going to Republicans and Nationalists in the first place, then the honourable thing to do is to let us have the opportunity to win them back for Unionism.
"If this is done perhaps we can take seriously the calls for Unionist unity. As the DUP do not hold either of these seats and never have held them, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
(PR/BMcC)
The UUP leader, addressing the party's AGM at the weekend, claimed "people sometimes forget the facts" surrounding the two constituencies, which were previously held by UUP MPs but are now occupied by Nationalists.
Sir Reg (pictured) said: "This party [UUP] had the honour to represent both of these seats for many years, until Peter Robinson and his colleagues decided to intervene.
"In 2001 the DUP deliberately, in my opinion, set out to deny us the [Fermanagh/South Tyrone] seat while having no prospect of winning themselves.
"They supported a spoiler independent unionist candidate who got nearly 6500 votes, resulting in the seat going to Sinn Fein [Michelle Gildernew] by 57 votes."
Sir Reg claimed the same action was taken by the DUP in South Belfast in 2005, when the Parliamentary seat was won by Alasdair McDonnell of the SDLP.
DUP leader Mr Robinson has called on the UUP to help Unionism win back the two seats. The DUP has proposed fielding a singular Unionist candidate in both constituencies, ensuring the Pro-Union vote is not split between it and the UUP.
"I believe in Unionist unity. This party believes in unionist unity," said Sir Reg.
Throwing down a challenge to Mr Robinson, he said: "The DUP has a golden opportunity to make a gesture that could instil confidence that they are serious about Unionism working closer together.
"I say to them that as they were responsible for these seats going to Republicans and Nationalists in the first place, then the honourable thing to do is to let us have the opportunity to win them back for Unionism.
"If this is done perhaps we can take seriously the calls for Unionist unity. As the DUP do not hold either of these seats and never have held them, they have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
09 May 2005
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
28 May 2021
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
27 January 2004
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
15 September 2004
Unionist parties engage in pre-talks 'concessions' spat
The two main unionist parties have become embroiled in a 'concessions' spat ahead of tomorrow's negotiations at Leeds Castle.
Unionist parties engage in pre-talks 'concessions' spat
The two main unionist parties have become embroiled in a 'concessions' spat ahead of tomorrow's negotiations at Leeds Castle.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
